The Heated Issue of a 5 Pointed Star in a CircleSchool Keeps Watch On Symbols - By David Shepardson, Detroit News

DETROIT -- As part of Lincoln Park's crackdown on symbols sometimes associated with gangs, Jewish students must petition for the right to wear the Star of David, officials said Tuesday.

Muslim students also do not have the automatic right to wear a crescent and star. During a daylong hearing in federal court to decide whether a school policy banning the wearing of a pentagram was unconstitutional, Supt. Randall Kite and Principal Thomas Kolka said a Jewish student who wanted to wear a Star of David would have ask for permission.

"Your policy means the only religious symbol that any student could wear is a Christian cross," said Robert Sedler, an ACLU attorney representing Crystal

Seifferly, a self-described witch suing for the right to wear a symbol that represents her Wiccan faith.

From the WitchVox Pentacle page: "The Pentacle, the symbol of Witchcraft, is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world. The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole."

Crystal Seifferly, 17, said she is a wiccan, a witch who practices a pagan religion, and that the pentagram is a religious symbol that she should be allowed to wear at school despite the ban. The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on her behalf.

Principal Kolka acknowledged under questioning from Seifferly's lawyer, Wayne State University law professor Robert Sedlar, that Seifferly is a good student, has never been a discipline problem, and wears a pentagram that is different from that on the cover of the satanic bible.

School officials agreed before the hearing that wicca is a legitimate religion and that Seifferly sincerely believes in it.

Edward Ortiz of the Witches Anti-Discrimination League in Lansing said the case is an important one for witches and pagans' religious freedom.

"We understand the need to limit cults and gangs, but we don't see ourselves as part of those," he said after the hearing. "We are a benevolent religion."-FULL STORY: Pentagram

LINCOLN PARK, Mich., Feb. 9, 1999 (UPI) The American Civil Liberties Union is representing a 17-year-old witch in a lawsuit against a Michigan school district for allegedly trampling her right to worship and free speech.

Crystal Seifferly filed the suit challenging the Lincoln Park School District's 4-month-old rule against certain student uses of the pentacle, a five-pointed star that's a symbol of her Wicca faith and common in jewelry. Seifferly claims she's been a witch since age 13, and that the school district rules discriminate against her by lumping Wicca together with the Ku Klux Klan and hate groups.

At an ACLU-sponsored news conference today with her mother, Seifferly said she "will not be forced into shame" by opponents of her religion. Seifferly's mother says she and her husband are Christian but support their daughter's lawsuit as well as her freedom to choose a religion.

In October, school officials announced a policy change that prohibited students from wearing pentacles. Crystal Seifferly, 17, is an honor student at Lincoln Park High School and a witch - a member of the Wicca religion.

President Steve Foster, Witches Anti-Discrimination League (WADL) has just informed me that a joint press conference was conducted this morning, Tuesday February 9, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan, USA., with The Witches Voice (TWV) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in which the ACLU announced that it has filed a lawsuit against the Lincoln Park High School, Lincoln Park, Michigan, USA., on behalf of Pagan students relative to their right to peacefully display their religious beliefs by way of appropriate jewelry, pentacles, etc., in school and during school time.

The above is a voice report and I am awaiting the actual ACLU filing. As the press covering this press conference included CBS-TV News, there is the possibility that a CBS report on this press conference may appear on this evening's CBS News.

Wren Walker (TWV) has just informed me that some local and national new media are already carrying this story.

"Religious freedom is for everyone, including Wiccans. As more pagan children enter the public school system, it is imperative that educators and administrators alike become better informed on the practices and beliefs of all earth-based religions," Walker said.

Additionally, Steve Foster indicated that WADL and TWV are working on joint press releases, to be soon released on the Internet, to inform Pagan leaders, groups, covens, groves, circles, solitaires, etc., and others, of this important anti-discrimination effort by WADL/TWV/ACLU.

Steve Foster has indicated that this lawsuit by the ACLU may go a long way to establish proper respect and religious rights for all Pagan students in America.

Pat Robertson's Surprising Statement about the Lincoln High Issue! from The 700 Club's broadcast of Feb. 10th, 1999

Today I came home for lunch and Wren said, "You have GOT to see this..." She hit the play button on the VCR revealing this mornings 700 Club broadcast... Pat Robertson's comments about the Lincoln High issue were suprisingly open minded and spoke about the right to practice the religion of YOUR choice... Although he continues to paint Witches, Wiccans and Pagans (incorrectly) as Satanists and Devil worshipers, he did, with his own folksy style, celebrate Crystal Seifferly's right to wear her Pentacle. Pat's unedited response is as follows:

"You know, I never thought you'd see the day that I would say that people have the right to wear a pentagram."

"I'm totally against Satanism, I'm totally against devil worship and I'm totally against the occult, but like it or not, folks...If we can wear crosses and the Jewish students can wear menorahs or the Star of David or what have you, then these people have to be allowed to wear their pentagram."

"I just believe the best test of truth is in the marketplace. And the ACLU might have itself-somebody else file an amicus brief on this one."

"Yeah, I know it's terrible to think about and I commend the people in Michigan for trying to cut down on gang violence, but at the same time, as long as this woman -that young girl- isn't trying to stir up violence and call for the human sacrifice or other gory stuff, then she has the right to wear the symbol of what she believes in whether we agree with it or not."

I was quite surprised to hear this... He did say it and did mean it. With the influence of the 700 Club on the Christian community, this statement will have far reaching impact. It was indeed a step forward in maintaining ones right to practice the religion of YOUR choice. Thanks Pat!

Oneofthesheep at Witchvox.com

Wearing a Pentacle = Indefinite Suspension?It does if you go to Lincoln HighDecember 13th, 1998 c.e.

The Administration of Lincoln Park High School has noticed an increase in gang and/or cult activity. The Board of Education through the Student Code of Conduct, has clearly stated that it "desires too keep district schools and students free from threats or wrongful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate drug abuse, violence or disruptive behavior. Violators will be suspended indefinitely with possible expulsion." The Administration of Lincoln Park High School will enforce this rule.

A partial listing of groups that are not appropriate to the school setting include:

It is understood that this list is not all inclusive, and that any like groups that do not appear on this list are also not appropriate for the school setting. You are hereby given notice, that these groups and related activities are inappropriate and unacceptable to the school setting, and will result in disciplinary action.

A partial listing of inappropriate activities includes, but is not limited to:

There are other related activities that are not listed which are also inappropriate to the school setting. If you have more questions concerning whether an artifact or activity is appropriate to the school setting, please ask your administrator or Officer Pelland.

Enforcement will begin on Thursday, October 29, with confiscation of inappropriate artifacts and a warning. On Friday, October 30, enforcement will change to confiscation of artifacts and indefinite suspension.

The faculty and administration appreciate your excellent behavior this year. Our intention is to insure the health, safety and welfare of all students by keeping gangs and cults out of your high school. Your cooperation in helping us achieve that goal is appreciated. Thank you.

We have received a copy of an announcement related to the "Lincoln Park High School Student Conduct Code" which we find very disturbing. The excerpt is quoted:

The Administration of Lincoln Park High School has noticed an increase in gang and/or cult activity. The Board of Education through the Student Code of Conduct, has clearly stated that it "desires too keep district schools and students free from threats or wrongful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate drug abuse, violence or disruptive behavior. Violators will be suspended indefinitely with possible expulsion." The Administration of Lincoln Park High School will enforce this rule.

A partial listing of groups that are not appropriate to the school setting include:

The inclusion of the "pentagram" in this listing is not only inappropriate, it is incorrect. We have enclosed the "F.A.Q's of Witchcraft" in this package for your consideration. The pentagram (pentacle) is a very ancient symbol denoting knowledge and wisdom. It is also the chosen symbol of those who practice the religion of Witchcraft or Wicca. It is a symbol worn for the very same reason that a Christian would wear a cross.

The more important issue here though is that this "policy" of the Lincoln Park School District places your District in serious violation of the "Equal Access Act." This document was sent out to all school administrators in 1995. If you do not have your copy readily available, we have enclosed one in this package. The relevant portions are quoted below:

"Official neutrality regarding religious activity: Teachers and school administrators, when acting in those capacities, are representatives of the state and are prohibited by the establishment clause from soliciting or encouraging religious activity, and from participating in such activity with students. Teachers and administrators also are prohibited from discouraging activity because of its religious content, and from soliciting or encouraging antireligious activity."

As representatives of the state, school officials must remain neutral in all areas related to religion. Since Witchcraft and Wicca are religions and many forms of paganism are as well, this stance by your District not only violates the constitutional rights of religious expression and free speech of your students, it specifically BANS students who are Witches, Wiccans and pagans.

Surely, you are not suggesting that students must give up the practice of their religion in order to comply with your school regulations! Yet that is indeed the only inference that can be drawn from your position.

By in effect banning Witches, Wiccans and pagans from Lincoln Park High School, you are in violation of the First Amendment, the Equal Access Act and various civil acts. This puts your school and the school district in a very precarious legal situation.

The "Equal Access Act" also states:"Student garb: Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages."

Quite simply out, if your students are permitted to wear crosses, doves, Star of David emblems or other such religious type jewelry, the pentacle must also be allowed. There have be successful lawsuits brought against school districts which have sought to ban some religious symbols while allowing others. We are sure that you would not want to find yourselves in this position due to lack of proper legal advice in these matters. We would suggest that you have your legal representatives review the enclosed documents.

The practice of Witchcraft no more leads to self or socially destructive behavior than the practice of any other religion. To be singled out in this fashion is a violation of our civil rights and certainly sets a bad example of the democratic process for your students. We are sure that you include in your school policies guidelines on tolerance for those of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Please be aware that we too fall under the protection of such guidelines.

We thank you for your sincere attention to this matter. We have no doubt that your intention is to provide a healthy and safe learning environment for all children regardless of religious preference or sociological background.

Sincerely,

Rev. Wren WalkerThe Witches' Voice, Inc.(contact info on orginal)

encl:

The F.A.Q's of WitchcraftThe Equal Access ActKnow Your Legal Rights

Because of the seriousness of this situation and the potential civil and constitutional rights violations related to your policy, the following agencies and offices have received a copy of this letter:

Lincoln Park High School principal says students with pentagrams may be suspended-By Sheryl Kennedy / The Detroit News

LINCOLN PARK -- Metro Detroit witches are calling a letter sent to high school parents discriminatory and uninformed.

After being told by his staff that they've seen an "increase in gang and or cult activity," Lincoln Park High School principal Tom Kolka drafted a list of groups the district considers "inappropriate" in the school.

James Hopkins, a board of education member.said, "We have a dress code, and I don't care if it's my own son, our policy is our policy. We never said that anyone had to stop practicing their religion or stop wearing the cross, pentagram or Star of David." (Wren: Just stop while in school?)

"We are no more to the right or left on this issue. We are straight up the middle and the rule applies to everybody. So there is not discrimination. But we can not tolerate students dressing in attire that distracts others from learning." (Wren: And a pentacle is "distracting" how? Or rather to whom? Anything can become a "distraction' to a bigot, I guess...)-FULL TEXT: WITCHES STEW OVER DRESS CODE.

The WADL Letter To Lincoln Park High SchoolThursday, December 10, 1998 at 07:42:22 (EST)

Lincoln Park School Board1045 Southfield Rd.Lincoln Park, MI 48146

Dr. Thomas Kolka,

The Witches Anti-Discrimination League (WADL) has been contacted by a student attending Lincoln Park High School. At issue is the highly discriminatory edict issued in October that forbids students to belong to certain non-traditional and/or non-mainstream religious and social groups.

Both the student and the parents have asked us to keep their names confidential pending the outcome of this communication.

We have contacted the students parents and have in our possession a notarized permission form allowing us to represent this student. We would prefer to seek a peaceful resolution to this matter. We are sure that Lincoln Park High School would also prefer to continue the educational process rather than divert time and resources in the defense of a discriminatory and illegal policy.

In light of this information we are providing you, we will instruct our local Representatives to wait until Wednesday 17, December, 1998 before proceeding with Legal Action on behalf of your student.

The Lincoln Park School's "Cult/Gang" policy violates your students' First and Fourteenth Amendment Rights as well as all of the provisions contained with The Equal Access Act.

We are sure that Lincoln Park High School has copies of The Constitution available, so we need not print those portions here. We do, however, include a quote from the Statement by President William J. Clinton on this subject, pertinent portions of the Equal Access Act and part of the introduction of the letter issued by Secretary of Education Richard W Riley.

Upon reviewing this letter and the enclosed material you may wish to confer with your Corporate Legal Counsel or The American Civil Liberties Union to verify the standing you have regarding your edict.

"PREFACE FROM PRESIDENT CLINTON: Nothing in the First Amendment converts our public schools into religion-free zones, or requires all religious expression to be left behind at the schoolhouse door. While the government may not use schools to coerce the consciences of our students, or to convey official endorsement of religion, the public schools also may not discriminate against private religious expression during the school day.

Religion is too important in our history and our heritage for us to keep it out of our schools...[I]t shouldn't be demanded, but as long as it is not sponsored by school officials and doesn't interfere with other children's rights, it mustn't be denied."-President Clinton-July 12, 1995

From the Equal Access Act:

"Student garb: Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages."

Further statement quoted from a letter by Richard W. Riley Secretary of Education,

"Dear Superintendent:

On July 12th, President Clinton directed the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General, to provide every school district in America with a statement of principles addressing the extent to which religious expression and activity are permitted in our public schools. In response to the President's request, I am sending to you this statement of principles.

In the last two years, I have visited with many educators, parents, students, and religious leaders. I have become increasingly aware of the real need to find a new common ground and inject fresh air into the growing and, at times, divisive debate about religion in our public schools. President Clinton and I hope that this information will provide useful guidance to educators, parents, and students in defining the proper place for religious expression and religious freedom in our public schools.

As the President explained, the First Amendment imposes two basic and equally important obligations on public school officials in their dealings with religion. First, schools may not forbid students acting on their own from expressing their personal religious views or beliefs solely because they are of a religious nature. Schools may not discriminate against private religious expression by students, but must instead give students the same right to engage in religious activity and discussion as they have to engage in other comparable activity.

Generally, this means that students may pray in a non-disruptive manner during the school day when they are not engaged in school activities and instruction, subject to the same rules of order as apply to other student speech.

At the same time, schools may not endorse religious activity or doctrine, nor may they coerce participation in religious activity. Among other things, of course, school administrators and teachers may not organize or encourage prayer exercises in the classroom. And the right of religious expression in school does not include the right to have a "captive audience" listen, or to compel other students to participate. School officials should not permit student religious speech to turn into religious harassment aimed at a student or a small group of students. Students do not have the right to make repeated invitations to other students to participate in religious activity in the face of a request to stop.

The statement of principles set forth below derives from the First Amendment. Implementation of these principles, of course, will depend on specific factual contexts and will require careful consideration in particular cases.

Although most schools have been implementing these principles already, some problems have arisen where people are unaware of, or do not understand, these obligations. It is my sincere hope that these principles will help to end much of the confusion regarding religious expression in public schools and that they can provide a basis for school officials, teachers, parents, and students to work together to find common ground -- helping us to get on with the important work of education. I want to recognize again the efforts of religious and other civic groups who came together earlier this year to issue a statement of current law on religion in the public schools, from which we drew heavily in developing these principles.

I encourage you to share this information widely and in the most appropriate manner with your school community. Accept my sincere thanks for your continuing work on behalf of all of America's children.

Sincerely,

Richard W. RileyU.S. Secretary of Education"

Again we wish to stress it is our desire to see the Lincoln Park SchoolDistrict voluntarily comply with the provisions of The Equal Access Act, and The First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Should you wish to discuss this matter please feel free to reply either by US Mail, email or by telephone to, our Attorney Clare Kelsey ESQ (phone # on original)

TWV Cover Letter To Various Agencies On Lincoln Park High School IssueWednesday, December 09, 1998 at 14:23:31 (EST)

This is the TWV cover letter that was sent out to the U.S. Dept, of Education-Civil Rights Division, the school board of Lincoln Park, the ACLU of Michigan, Michigan Governor John M. Engler and the Michigan Dept. of Education.

Working in cooperation with WADL and other pagan activists, we hope that this situation is resolved quickly.

I will post the WADL letters ( and any others) as soon as I receive them.

December 9, 1998

Dear (agency name or contact),

The Witches' Voice, Inc. has been contacted by a pagan student of Lincoln Park High School in Michigan concerning a recent announcement sent out by the Lincoln Park school administrators and the school board. The student's parents are supportive and may wish to proceed with some further action.

This announcement states that:

The Administration of Lincoln Park High School has noticed an increase in gang and/or cult activity. The Board of Education through the Student Code of Conduct, has clearly stated that it "desires too keep district schools and students free from threats or wrongful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate drug abuse, violence or disruptive behavior. Violators will be suspended indefinitely with possible expulsion." The Administration of Lincoln Park High School will enforce this rule.

A partial listing of groups that are not appropriate to the school setting include:

This raises several issues of concern. As representatives of the state, school officials must remain neutral in all areas related to religion. Since Witchcraft and Wicca are religions and many forms of paganism are as well, this stance by the Lincoln Park School District not only violates the constitutional rights of religious expression and free speech of the Lincoln Park High School students, it specifically BANS students who are Witches, Wiccans and pagans.

Surely students should not be forced to renounce their religion at the schoolhouse door. In fact, in "Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District", 393 U.S. 503 (1969), the U.S. Supreme Court agreed and wrote that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." The Court ruled that as long as there is not "substantial disruption of or material interference with school activities," the students' freedom to express themselves is protected by the First Amendment.

Since the school announcement states only that the administration has "noticed an increase in gang and/or cult activity," it is highly questionable that this policy is an appropriate action under these circumstances. In fact, the "least restrictive means" must be exercised in all matters that pertain to religious freedom and expression under the Supreme Court decisions in these cases. ("Lemon" test.) Witchcraft/Wicca is not a cult or a gang, but a religion protected under the First Amendment.

We are enclosing a copy of the letter that TWV has sent to the Lincoln Park High School and other related documents. We believe that the policy instituted by Lincoln Park is unconstitutional and is in violation of the Equal Access Act.

These violations are of a most serious nature. The parents may consider further action if this policy by the Lincoln Park School District is not amended/revoked to their satisfaction.

Would YOU Be Expelled From This High School?Wednesday, December 09, 1998 at 13:50:30 (EST)

CULT/GANG ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Administration of Lincoln Park High School has noticed an increase in gang and/or cult activity. The Board of Education through the Student Code of Conduct, has clearly stated that it "desires to keep district schools and students free from threats or wrongful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate drug abuse, violence or disruptive behavior. Violators will be suspended indefinitely with possible expulsion." The Administration of Lincoln Park High School will enforce this rule.

A partial listing of groups that are not appropriate to the school setting include:

It is understood that this list is not all inclusive, and that any like groups that do not appear on this list are also not appropriate for the school setting. You are hereby given notice, that these groups and related activities are inappropriate and unacceptable to the school setting, and will result in disciplinary action. A partial listing of inappropriate activities includes, but is not limited to:

There are other related activities that are not listed which are also inappropriate to the school setting. If you have more questions concerning whether an artifact or activity is appropriate to the school setting, please ask your administrator or Officer Pelland.

Enforcement will begin on Thursday, October 29, with confiscation of inappropriate artifacts and a warning. On Friday, October 30, enforcement will change to confiscation of artifacts and indefinite suspension.

The faculty and administration appreciate your excellent behavior this year. Our intention is to insure the health, safety and welfare of all students by keeping gangs and cults out of your high school. Your cooperation in helping us achieve that goal is appreciated. Thank you.

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